icd 10 code for routine screening colonoscopy with polyp removal

by Maribel Jacobson III 6 min read

Common colorectal screening diagnosis codes

ICD-10-CM Description
Z12.11 Encounter for screening for malignant ne ...
Z80.0 Family history of malignant neoplasm of ...
Z86.010 Personal history of colonic polyps
May 26 2022

Reportable procedure and diagnoses include: 45385-33, Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesions by snare technique. Z12. 11, Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon.Apr 20, 2022

Full Answer

What is the CPT code for removal of a polyp?

The removal of skin tags is reported with CPT codes from:

  • Section: Surgery
  • Subsection: Integumentary System
  • Subheading: Subcutaneous and Accessory Structures
  • Category: Removal of Skin Tags Procedures
  • Subcategory: Removal of skin tags, multiple fibrocutaneous tags, any area

What is the procedure code for a colonoscopy?

non-Medicare payors, use the CPT conventions. Colonoscopy codes are listed in the digestive section of CPT, codes 45378–45398 (or codes 44388–44408, if performed through a stoma rather than the anus). CPT code 45378 is the base code for a colonoscopy without biopsy or other interventions. It includes brushings or washings, if performed.

How do you code a screening colonoscopy?

  • Z12. 11: Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon.
  • Z80. 0: Family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs.
  • Z86. 010: Personal history of colonic polyps.

How to code screening and diagnostic colonoscopy?

  • G0121 – Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk
  • G0105 – Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk
  • G0104 – Colorectal cancer screening; flexible sigmoidoscopy

How do you code a colonoscopy and polypectomy?

45385–33: Colonoscopy with snare polypectomy; modifier to indicate preventative screening procedure. 45380–59: Colonoscopy with biopsy, single or multiple; modifier to indicate distinct procedures. Note: report only once, even if multiple polyps are removed by the same technique.

How do you code a screening colonoscopy turned diagnostic?

Article - Billing and Coding: Screening Colonoscopy Converted to a Diagnostic and/or Therapeutic Colonoscopy (A55069)

How do you code colon polyps in ICD-10?

K63. 5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM K63.

Is Z12 11 a preventive code?

The colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is still classified as a preventive service eligible for coverage at the no-member-cost-share benefit level. a. Submit the claim with Z12. 11 (Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon) as the first-listed diagnosis code; this is the reason for the service or encounter.

Is history of colon polyps considered a screening?

A family history but no personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer is sometimes considered surveillance and does not fall under screening benefits.

What is the difference between a screening colonoscopy and a diagnostic colonoscopy?

A screening colonoscopy will have no out-of-pocket costs for patients (such as co-pays or deductibles). A “diagnostic” colonoscopy is a colonoscopy that is done to investigate abnormal symptoms, tests, prior conditions or family history.

Is 45380 a screening colonoscopy?

A family of CPT codes applies to colonoscopy. For example, code 45378 applies to a colonoscopy in which no polyp is detected, while codes 45380-45385 apply to colonoscopy that involves an intervention (e.g., 45385 is the code for colonoscopy with polypectomy.)

Is Z86 010 a preventive code?

Z80. 0 (family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs) Z86. 010 (personal history of colonic polyps)....Two Sets of Procedure Codes Used for Screening Colonoscopy:Common colorectal screening diagnosis codesICD-10-CMDescriptionZ86.010Personal history of colonic polyps2 more rows•Apr 20, 2022

What is diagnosis code of history of polyps?

“Code Z86. 010, Personal history of colonic polyps, should be assigned when 'history of colon polyps' is documented by the provider. History of colon polyp specifically indexes to code Z86. 010.” “AHA Coding Clinic, First Quarter 2017, there is not an Index entry for rectal polyps.

When should Z12 11 be used?

If the patient presents for a screening colonoscopy and a polyp or any other lesion/diagnosis is found, the primary diagnosis is still going to be Z12. 11, Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon. The coder should also report the polyp or findings as additional diagnosis codes.

Do you use Z12 11 on surveillance colonoscopy?

There are 2 different sets of screening colonoscopy codes: There are payors that accept the Z12. 11 (encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon) in the first coding position, while other payors either require this diagnosis in a subsequent position behind family history codes or prefer to see the Z12.

How do you code personal history of colon polyps?

“Code Z86. 010, Personal history of colonic polyps, should be assigned when 'history of colon polyps' is documented by the provider.

Can Z12 11 be a principal diagnosis?

If the patient presents for a screening colonoscopy and a polyp or any other lesion/diagnosis is found, the primary diagnosis is still going to be Z12. 11, Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon. The coder should also report the polyp or findings as additional diagnosis codes.

What is the difference between G0105 and 45378?

CPT code 45378 is currently assigned to ASC payment group 2. Code G0105 (colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk) has been added to the ASC list effective for services furnished on or after January 1, 1998.

How do I bill for a patient seen in our office prior to a screening colonoscopy with no GI symptoms and who is otherwise healthy?

How do I bill for a patient seen in our office prior to a screening colonoscopy with no GI symptoms and who is otherwise healthy? A visit prior to a screening colonoscopy for a healthy patient is not billable.

What does Z12 11 mean?

ICD-10 Code for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon- Z12. 11- Codify by AAPC.

What is the code for inflammatory colon polyps?

Codes for inflammatory colon polyps, found in category K51, include a description of complications: K51.40 Inflammatory polyps of colon without complications. K51.411 Inflammatory polyps of colon with rectal bleeding. K51.412 Inflammatory polyps of colon with intestinal obstruction.

Is colon cancer benign?

Print Post. Colorectal cancer typically develops from colon polyps, which are abnormal growths of tissue (neoplasms). Most polyps are benign, but may become cancerous. When selecting an ICD-10 diagnosis code for polyp (s) of the colon, you will need to know the precise location of the polyp (s) and the type of polyp (e.g., benign, inflammatory, ...

What is colonoscopy procedure?

Definition of Terms Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure that permits the direct examination of the mucosa of the entire colon by using a flexible lighted tube. The procedure is done with sedation in a hospital outpatient department, in a clinic , or an office facility. During the colonoscopy a doctor can biopsy and remove pre – cancerous ...

What can a doctor do during a colonoscopy?

During the colonoscopy a doctor can biopsy and remove pre – cancerous polyps and some early stage cancers and also diagnose other conditions or diseases. General definitions of procedure indications from various specialty societies , including the ACA: * A screening colonoscopy is done to look for disease, such as cancer, ...

What is the introduction section of a medical policy?

Note:The Introduction section is for your general knowledge and is not to be takenas policy coverage criteria. The rest of the policy uses specific words and concepts familiar to medical professionals. It is intended for providers.A provider can be a person, such as a doctor, nurse, psychologist, or dentist.

Can a colonoscopy be done during a biopsy?

It can also be doneas a diagnostic procedure when symptoms or lab tests suggest there might be a problem in the rectum or colon.In some cases, minor procedures may be done during a colonoscopy,such as taking a biopsy or destroying an area of unhealthy tissue (a lesion).

Is colonoscopy a screening test?

This guideline applies only to people of average risk. Colonoscopy is only one of the screening tests that can be used. This benefit coverage guideline provides general information about how the health plan decides whether a colonoscopy is covered under the preventive or diagnostic (medical) benefits.

How often should a colonoscopy be performed?

Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF):#N#A screening colonoscopy is performed once every 10 years for asymptomatic patients aged 50-75 with no history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease.#N#A surveillance colonoscopy can be performed at varying ages and intervals based on the patient’s personal history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease. Patients with a history of colon polyp (s) are not recommended for a screening colonoscopy, but for a surveillance colonoscopy. Per the USPSTF, “When the screening test results in the diagnosis of clinically significant colorectal adenomas or cancer, the patient will be followed by a surveillance regimen and recommendations for screening are no longer applicable.”#N#The USPSTF does not recommend a particular surveillance regime for patients who have a personal history of polyps and/or cancer; however, surveillance colonoscopies generally are performed in shortened intervals of two to five years. Medical societies, such as the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, regularly publish recommendations for colonoscopy surveillance.#N#The type of colonoscopy will fall into one of three categories, depending on why the patient is undergoing the procedure.#N#Diagnostic/Therapeutic colonoscopy (CPT® 45378 Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen (s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression (separate procedure))#N#Patient has a gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or diagnosis.#N#Preventive colonoscopy screening (CPT® 45378, G0121 Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk)#N#Patient is 50 years of age or older#N#Patient does not have any gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis#N#Patient does not have any personal history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease#N#Patient may have a family history of gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis#N#Exception: Medicare patients with a family history (first degree relative with colorectal and/or adenomatous cancer) may qualify as “high risk.” Colonoscopy for these patients would not be a “surveillance,” but a screening, reported with HCPCS Level II code G0105 Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk.#N#Surveillance colonoscopy (CPT® 45378, G0105)#N#Patient does not have any gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis.#N#Patient has a personal history of colon cancer, polyps, and/or gastrointestinal disease.

Which medical societies publish recommendations for colonoscopy surveillance?

Medical societies, such as the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, regularly publish recommendations for colonoscopy surveillance. The type of colonoscopy will fall into one of three categories, depending on why the patient is undergoing the procedure.

How to avoid confusion during colonoscopy?

To avoid angry, confused patients, educate them about the types of colonoscopy (preventative, surveillance, or diagnostic) and insurance benefits associated with each procedure . Accomplish this by providing the patient with the correct tools.

What are the two types of ICD-9 codes?

According to ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, section 18.d.4:#N#There are two types of history V codes, personal and family . Personal history codes explain a patient’s past medical condition that no longer exists and is not receiving any treatment, but that has the potential for recurrence, and therefore may require continued monitoring. Personal history codes may be used in conjunction with follow-up codes and family history codes may be used in conjunction with screening codes to explain the need for a test or procedure.#N#Common personal history codes used with colonoscopy are V12.72 and V10.0x Personal history of malignant neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. The family history codes include V16.0 Family history of malignant neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract; V18.51 Family history of colonic polyps; and V18.59 Family history of other digestive disorders. Lastly, V76.51 describes screening of the colon.#N#Per the ICD-9-CM official guidelines, you would be able to report V76.51 (screening) primary to V16.0 (family history of colon polyps). In contrast, you would not use V76.51 (screening) with V12.72 (personal history of colon polyps) because family history codes, not personal history codes, should be paired with screening codes. Personal history would be paired with a follow-up code.#N#Just because you get paid doesn’t mean the coding is correct: Most carriers will pay V76.51 with V12.72 because their edits are flawed and allow it. The patient’s claim will process under a patient’s preventative benefits with no out-of-pocket; however, an audit of the record with the carrier guidance will reveal that the claim incorrectly paid under preventative services when, in fact, the procedure should have paid as surveillance. The best strategy is to contact your payer to be sure you are coding correctly based on that payer’s “screening vs. surveillance” guidelines.

Is there an increase in colonoscopy codes?

Practices performing colonoscopies for colon and rectal cancer screenings have seen a corresponding rise in requests for “screening” colonoscopy. As a result, there is an increase in incorrectly coded colonoscopies. Practices may not understand that a majority of patients are actually not screening colonoscopies, ...

Is colonoscopy a screening?

Colonoscopy for these patients would not be a “ surveillance,” but a screening, reported with HCPCS Level II code G0105 Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk. Patient does not have any gastrointestinal sign, symptom (s), and/or relevant diagnosis.

Does the ACA cover colonoscopy?

Under the ACA, payers must offer first-dollar coverage for screening colonoscopy but are not obliged to do so for a surveillance or diagnostic colonoscopy. The patient’s history and findings determine the reason for and type of colonoscopy, driving the benefit determination.

Benign Colon Polyps

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Codes for benign adenomatous polyp of the colon are found in the neoplasm chapter of ICD-10-CM, by location: Example: A 68-year-old, asymptomatic patient undergoes screening colonoscopy. The physician finds and snares a tubular adenoma in the cecum. Because this is a screening, the primary diagnosis is Z12.
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Inflammatory Polyps

  • Codes for inflammatory colon polyps, found in category K51, include a description of complications: Per ICD-10 guidelines, you should use an additionalcode with category K51 to identify manifestations (e.g., pyoderma gangrenosum).
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Other Polyps

  • Polyps of the colon not documented as adenomatous, benign, or inflammatory are reported using K63.5 Polyp of colon. If a colon polyp is specified as hyperplastic, assign K63.5 even if greater specificity is provided regarding the location, per Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS (Second Quarter 2015, pages 14-15). The ICD-10 code for rectal polyp is K62.1 Rectal polyp…
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Malignant Neoplasms

  • For malignant neoplasm(s) of the colon and rectum, refer to ICD-10 categories C18-C20. Example: A 70-year-old patient with a family history of colon cancer complains of abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. During colonoscopy, the physician finds a mass at the hepatic flexure, which pathology confirms as malignant. The primary diagnosis is cancer of the hepatic flexure. Scan t…
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